The days of watching from the stands are long gone for Steve McClaren, whose touchline antics have been an interesting diversion from the mixed standard of football on display at St James’ Park.

McClaren started the season watching from the stands. It was suggested by Bill Beswick, a sports psychologist who worked with McClaren at United, that McClaren did this to show trust in his team – as if he didn’t need to be on the touchline.

But as it became apparent that he needed to be more hands on, that relaxed attitude gave way.

Interestingly, McClaren is now armed with a notebook that comes complete with a magnetic whiteboard with markers to signify each player. It has left him open to mockery – with some rival supporters suggesting he’s compiling a shopping list when he was scribbling in the notebook during the Spurs game.